Operating System/Network Analyst-3: Research Computing Administrator

Oregon State University; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 78,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon State University’s College of Forestry seeks a Research Computing Administrator to manage the computing infrastructure that supports our research, instruction, and administrative work. This is a lead technical role in Forestry Computing, collaborating with faculty, staff, and researchers on web and database systems.

The position covers Windows and Linux administration, web services, and database management, providing hands‑on support and driving upgrades and security across the college’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Experience administering Windows Server and Linux OS.
• Experience with MS SQL and MySQL databases.
• Experience with IIS and Apache web services.
• Scripting experience with PowerShell or Python.
• Strong communication and collaboration with diverse users.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage infrastructure for database and web apps on Windows and Linux.
• Upgrade databases, hosting platforms, OS, and related software.
• Support developers with performance optimization and migrations.
• Provide direct user support to troubleshoot issues.
• Monitor helpdesk queue and follow up on solutions.
• Partner with faculty to integrate resources for research.
• Serve as lead technical expert on web/database infra.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Research computing

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math/Telecommunications

Tools

Windows Server

Linux

MS SQL

MySQL

IIS

Apache

PowerShell

Python

Job description

Department

College of Forestry

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For Additional Information Please Contact:
Paul Van Wagoner
[e-mail]

Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Operating System/Network Analyst-3: Research Computing Administrator position for the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. The College of Forestry is one of the only programs in the U.S. that conducts integrated research across every aspect of forestry — from forest floor to living room floor. We are committed to bringing together an inclusive array of minds and identifying and removing barriers to provide equitable access to research, learning and engagement. From the forests of the Pacific Northwest to ecosystems around the world, our work supports healthy landscapes, strong communities and thriving economies. The College of Forestry is seeking a Research Computing Administrator to manage and maintain the computing infrastructure that supports the College's research, instructional, and administrative work. This position is part of the Forestry Computing team and provides timely, professional IT support to faculty, staff, and research collaborators across the College. The role combines hands‑on infrastructure management spanning both Windows and Linux systems, web services, and databases along with direct support to users and close collaboration with research faculty on technology needs for their projects. This is a lead technical role: the person in this position works independently, evaluates multiple approaches to problems, and is relied on as the College's go‑to expert for web and database infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the infrastructure supporting database and web applications hosted by the College of Forestry, including both Windows and Linux operating systems, Apache and IIS web services, and MS SQL Server and MySQL databases
• Periodically upgrade database and web hosting platforms, operating systems, and related software to keep systems current and secure
• Assist database and web developers with updating, developing, and optimizing application performance, and support application migration during system upgrades
• Provide direct support to users to evaluate, troubleshoot, and resolve reported problems
• Monitor the helpdesk problem queue, research and resolve issues not solved during initial consultation, and follow up with users to confirm satisfactory resolution
• Partner with College of Forestry research faculty to integrate database, web, data storage, and network resources in support of their research projects
• Serve as the lead technical expert on web/database infrastructure, staying current with emerging technology to help Forestry users take advantage of new capabilities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• This classification requires a basic foundation of knowledge in operating systems programs, maintenance, systems administration, and network systems that would normally be obtained through a bachelor's degree, preferably in computer science, engineering mathematics, telecommunications or a related technical field, or equivalent technical training and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills in working with a diverse set of users to interpret needs and provide appropriate solutions.
• Experience with administration of Microsoft Windows Server and Linux Operating Systems including installation, configuration and security.
• Experience with administration of MS SQL and MySQL services, including installation, backups, optimization and user management.
• Experience with administration of IIS Web Services and Apache installations.
• Experience with scripting languages such as PowerShell and python to automate tasks.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
• Familiarity with a helpdesk/problem tracking application.

Working Conditions / Schedule

Work occurs in office environments. May need to lift/move computing equipment up to 20lbs. Working hours are typically 8-5, Mon-Fri; some extended hours are required when network/operating system emergencies occur. Because of the responsibilities and nature of the work, a “normal” day can often extend into something that requires extra time where this position is the lead expert. Having the flexibility for longer hours when needed (and making up for that later) is essential for this position to operate in making FCR operations function well for customers. Duties may occasionally be performed at a remote location with supervisory approval. Access to VPN, Remote Desktop and remote communications systems will be accomplished through a personally owned device.

The Core Functions Of The Operating System/Network Analyst Are

• Operating systems analysis
• Operating systems administration
• Network planning and implementation
• Network analysis and management
• Network administration and support

Operating System Development / Installation

Ensure operating system software is properly installed, tested, and tuned to maximize operating efficiency. Examples of typical work activities include:

Develop and implement plans for fully integrated systems, including operating systems, network systems, database systems and applications;

Develop plans, schedules, and requirements for the installation and maintenance of new and/or revised software;

Install, configure, and tune operating systems software for optimal performance;

Integrate operating systems with other systems;

Evaluate and recommend hardware and system software procurements;

Assess the impact of new software on existing systems and users and develop modification plans as needed.

Operating System Programming / Modification

Customize and upgrade operating and related systems to meet ongoing user needs. Examples of typical work activities include:

Plan and implement modifications and upgrades to system configuration to improve utilization based on analysis of application and production requirements;

Plan system capacity and develop expansion plans;

Allocate and organize data storage;

Write and develop efficient software and code for operating systems;

Develop system utility programs and procedures to enhance operations, applications, and general system usage;

Document operations procedures and installation methodologies and modifications.

Operating System Performance Analysis

Evaluate levels of systems operations and recommend measures to improve overall performance. Examples of typical work activities include:

Conduct analytical studies of system processing time and resource capacity, measuring system performance against predetermined or standard benchmarks (e.g., operating time, error rates, and types);

Determine system compatibility and performance, and impact of integration with new systems or upgrades;

Perform analysis, testing, and/or simulation of equipment and software configurations;

Research and identify system expansions to meet anticipated future workload.

Operating System Maintenance

Monitor and maintain operating and related systems to ensure minimal interruption of production systems and to maintain maximum system availability. Examples of typical work activities include:

Diagnose and resolve operating systems and program failures;

Develop and execute test schemes and diagnostic procedures;

Monitor and analyze system performance and capacity and install corrections as necessary;

Review all systems software and hardware to ensure system integrity;

Work with maintenance vendor to develop and implement solutions specific to the campus needs.

Operations Support

Provide technical support to computer operations and applications programming staff to ensure availability of production and online systems. Examples of typical work activities include:

Analyze application failures and work with computer operations and applications programming staff to develop solutions;

Provide guidelines for applications development structure and security;

Provide procedures training and support;

Assist in resolving production problems.

Database Maintenance / Management

Design, create, manage and maintain physical databases including database storage management, procedures and tools for access, database security, and monitoring and tuning the database to ensure ongoing operation and access. Examples of typical work activities include:

Install, structure, tune, and maintain database operating systems and software on mainframe or mini‑computers;

Manage database organization and data storage;

Monitor database system usage and performance;

Troubleshoot and resolve database problems;

Create databases and/or migrate databases between machines;

Support client/server database access tools;

Develop benchmarks for testing new software releases;

Provide consultation to programmers on relational database design;

Oversee vendor software fault resolution.

Security Management

Ensure safety and security of information system assets and protect systems from inappropriate access or destruction. Examples of typical work activities include:

Run checks on data integrity; plan and execute disaster recovery plans;

Develop system backup and archival methodology;

Maintain data security and integrity by developing system access standards and procedures;

Evaluate the adequacy of controls and security measures;

Conduct virus avoidance procedures;

Work with users to understand security needs and evaluate level of security required.

Storage Administration

Design system storage capacity to provide for efficient and timely response and operating time. Work activities include:

Calculate data storage media and cost alternatives;

Specify sources and methods of data storage;

Plan for efficient allocation of system storage capacity.

Network Planning and Implementation

Design and engineering of network installations to meet information processing and traffic needs. Work activities include:

Develop systems and/or network configurations, including hardware, software and integration requirements;

Plan, design, and engineering of assigned networks;

Determine network architecture, topology, and transmission media appropriate for the installation;

Develop/recommend network standards and protocols;

Design networked facilities (e.g., studios, classrooms, teleconference facilities);

Design terrestrial or satellite microwave transmission systems.

Evaluation / Research

Evaluate users needs, systems, and new technologies to recommend the most effective communication and transmission systems. Work activities include:

Research and evaluate network/systems, performance capacity, and compatibility with existing systems;

Analyze information processing, transmission, and data movement needs;

Analyze system elements such as system cabling and software and expansion capacity;

Evaluate software/hardware network features;

Coordinate network development activities with systems as appropriate;

Act as the technical liaison for network product or system vendors.

Network Analysis and Management

Analysis/Performance Monitoring: Analyze and monitor network activity to ensure optimal network operation. Typical work activities include:

Monitor network traffic, usage, and performance;

Run diagnostics to forecast performance thresholds;

Perform analysis of network efficiency (e.g., channel, trunks, etc.) and routing of traffic, troubleshoot system failures and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken;

Maintain signal quality performance standards in line with regulatory requirements and system user's expectations.

Control/Security

Control network activity to ensure sound and secure operations. Typical work activities include:

Secure network resources from inappropriate access;

Maintain network security and integrity of data on the network;

Implement disaster recovery procedures;

Assure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., FCC and NEC).

Network Administration and Support

Administration of assigned network to optimize services and access to telecommunications and related networks. Typical work activities include:

Install, configure, maintain, and support network equipment and network operating systems (e.g., routers, bridges, servers, switches, and/or port selectors);

Troubleshoot network problems, referring to vendor or technicians as appropriate;

Provide (or order) network connectivity, ensuring appropriate integration of data, voice, and video networks;

Conduct network tests;

Recommend and modify network configuration to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness;

Recommend network database policies and procedures;

Assist in monitoring network database integrity.

Network Maintenance and Support

Ensure that the installed network is fully operational and appropriately integrated for access with other systems. Typical work activities include:

Recommend network database policies and procedures;

Assist in monitoring network database integrity;

Install, upgrade, and maintain network software and related hardware and maintain documentation;

Oversee compliance with industry and campus standards;

Determine appropriate transmission media requirements for voice, data, and video applications;

Act as a liaison with product vendors;

Configure network and/or third party software application programs to provide improved response time, quality, or cost effectiveness;

Customize or develop new reports from network control or billing databases;

Perform file conversions and system backups;

Develop interface programs;

Ensure adequate inventory of network supplies.

Salary Range

Min $78,492 - Max $125.328

Anticipated Start Date

2026-11-02

Anticipated End Date

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system.

If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [e-mail].